A bachelor’s degree in China is an increasingly popular choice for international students looking for a quality higher education at a reasonable cost. Admission requirements, duration and costs vary by university and major, but China offers a wide range of internationally recognised degrees. If you are thinking of starting a bachelor’s degree in China, this guide explains the requirements, costs, duration and scholarship options for the 2027 intake.
🧮 Calculate your cost of studying in China in your own currency – official fees, housing, admission chances and application deadlines in one minute: Study cost calculator
Bachelor’s degree in China: admission requirements
Admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in China vary by university and programme, but there are core requirements that apply to most international students.
- A high school diploma (or equivalent) with a solid academic record (usually 70% or higher).
- Proof of language level: Chinese (HSK) or English (IELTS or TOEFL), depending on the language of the programme.
- A statement of purpose explaining your academic motivation and why you want to study in China.
- A copy of a valid passport.
- A medical form or health certificate, which some universities require, especially for medical programmes.
Some universities ask for an entrance assessment or an interview. Check each university’s requirements individually, because they differ from one institution to the next.
If you are looking for details by subject, see engineering programmes in China or studying medicine in China to understand the requirements in each field.
How long is a bachelor’s degree in China?
A bachelor’s degree in China normally lasts 4 years (5 years or more for clinical medicine), depending on the subject.
| Field of study | Duration (years) |
|---|---|
| Engineering and sciences | 4 years |
| Medicine (MBBS / clinical medicine) | 5–6 years |
| Economics and management | 4 years |
| Languages and arts | 4 years |
Some universities offer combined or dual programmes (for example, a bachelor’s in engineering with a master’s) that can run longer than 4 years. Check the official programme schedule before you apply.
The academic year is built on two semesters: autumn (roughly September to January) and spring (roughly February/March to June/July), which allows flexible academic planning.
Cost of studying in China
The cost of studying in China depends on the university, the subject, the city and the programme. There is no single price that applies to every programme.
- Bachelor’s tuition varies widely by university and subject. For example, Lanzhou University lists 20,000–35,000 CNY per year (about US$2,800–4,900) for Chinese-taught undergraduate programmes. Always check the university’s official fee page.
- Tuition and living costs are generally higher in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai than in smaller cities.
- Medicine and engineering programmes are often more expensive because of laboratories and clinical training.
- Day-to-day living costs (food, transport, utilities; excluding rent) are roughly 1,800–3,000 CNY per month in tier-1 cities, 1,200–2,200 CNY in tier-2 cities and 1,000–1,500 CNY in tier-3 cities (StudyFlowX calculator estimates).
Your total yearly cost is tuition (see the university’s official fee page) plus accommodation, insurance and living costs. Use the cost calculator above for current estimates.
To learn more about costs at specific universities, see the best universities in China and compare them by subject and cost.
Bachelor’s scholarships in China: opportunities for international students
Chinese universities and government bodies offer partial or full scholarships to international students. The CSC scholarship is the best known.
CSC (Chinese Government) Scholarship
The CSC (China Scholarship Council) scholarship, funded by the Chinese government, is a full scholarship covering tuition, accommodation (or a monthly housing allowance), comprehensive medical insurance and a monthly stipend (2,500 CNY for bachelor’s students). It does not cover international airfare. Bachelor’s applicants must be under 25.
CSC scholarships are applied for in one of two ways: Type A through the Chinese embassy in your country, or Type B directly through a participating university (which must accept CSC applications for your chosen major).
For details on how to apply, see the CSC scholarship guide.
University scholarships
Some Chinese universities offer their own scholarships to international students, especially in high-demand fields such as engineering, artificial intelligence and business. They are awarded for academic performance, language skills or community contribution.
Awards vary by university: some waive part of the tuition and some waive all of it. Check the scholarship page of each university for exact amounts.
Competition for bachelor’s scholarships
Competition for bachelor’s scholarships in China is high, especially at leading universities. Apply to more than one university, apply early (for the 2027 intake, many deadlines fall between January and April 2027, and the CSC portal usually opens around November) and prepare all documents well in advance.
Practical steps to apply for a bachelor’s degree in China
Applying for a bachelor’s degree in China takes a series of organised steps. Start 6–8 months before the academic year begins (September 2027).
- Choose your major and university: pick the subject that suits your interests, then look for universities that teach it in a language you can study in (Chinese or English).
- Gather your documents: high school certificate, language certificate (HSK or IELTS/TOEFL), statement of purpose, passport copy. From the 2026 cycle, bachelor’s applicants to many universities also need the CSCA test.
- Apply online: use the university’s official application portal.
- Wait for the decision: review usually takes several weeks. Decision dates differ by university, so check each admissions calendar.
- Receive your admission notice: if you are accepted, the university sends an official admission notice and, for visa purposes, the JW201 or JW202 form.
- Apply for a student visa: use the admission notice and JW201/JW202 to apply for an X1 visa (for study longer than 180 days) at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
- Prepare to travel: arrange health insurance, prepare funds for travel and accommodation, and follow the embassy’s instructions. After arrival, register with the local police within 24 hours and apply for your residence permit within 30 days.
For a detailed step-by-step guide, see student visa steps for China.
Student life for international students in China
Student life in China is a culturally and academically rich experience. Chinese universities offer modern teaching environments, good facilities and support for international students.
- Many universities have offices that help international students settle into their new life.
- Most large universities have international student communities and clubs.
- Public transport is easy to use and widely available, especially in big cities.
- China is generally considered safe for students and offers a good environment for study and personal growth.
If you are considering a business degree, explore studying business administration in China and working in a dynamic economy.
CSC scholarship at a glance
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is the main full scholarship for international students. It covers tuition, accommodation (or a monthly housing allowance of 700 or 1,000 CNY), comprehensive medical insurance (800 CNY per year) and a monthly stipend of 2,500 CNY for bachelor’s students, 3,000 CNY for master’s and 3,500 CNY for PhD students. International airfare is not covered. Age limits are under 25 for bachelor’s, under 35 for master’s and under 40 for PhD applicants. Type A applications go through the Chinese embassy in your country, while Type B applications go through the university. Bachelor’s applicants need the CSCA test from the 2026 cycle, and results usually arrive between April and July. The Silk Road Program is the official Type B programme for eligible countries, which each university sets. Check the official portal at campuschina.org for current rules and deadlines.
Working while you study
China’s Ministry of Education allows only university-organised work-study for international students, capped at 8 hours a week and 40 hours a month in term, and 16 hours a week and 80 hours a month during holidays, with university approval recorded on your residence permit. There is no 20-hour weekly work rule in China. Read the official notice here: source.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in China without speaking Chinese?
Yes, some programmes can be studied without Chinese, especially those taught in English. English-taught programmes usually ask for proof of English, and many universities accept IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80, although requirements differ by university.
Which are the best-known universities in China for bachelor’s programmes?
Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are among China’s best-known universities, offering bachelor’s programmes in engineering, science and business. To learn more, see best universities in China.
Can I work while studying in China?
Regular employment is not allowed for international students. Only work-study organised by the university and approved by it, and recorded on your residence permit, is permitted: up to 8 hours a week and 40 hours a month during term, and 16 hours a week and 80 hours a month during holidays. Job contracts outside this are forbidden (Ministry of Education of China).h3>Is there financial support for international students in China?
Yes. There are scholarships from the Chinese government (CSC), from universities and from some international organisations. However, funding is limited and competition is high, so apply early with a complete application.
Can I continue to a master’s or PhD after a bachelor’s degree in China?
Yes. After finishing a bachelor’s degree in China you can apply for a master’s or PhD at the same university, at another university in China or abroad, provided you meet the admission requirements.
A bachelor’s degree in China is a strong choice for international students seeking high-quality higher education, reasonable costs and professional and personal development. With a wide range of programmes, reasonable entry requirements and various scholarships, China has become an attractive destination for undergraduates. Start your journey by planning ahead, applying early and using resources such as bachelor’s scholarships in China and the study-for-free options explained in our guide to studying in China for free.